Will Mohamed Salah Move to Saudi Arabia?
The transfer window has only been closed for just over a month, but speculation over Mohamed Salah heading to Saudi Arabia has returned. Salah was subject of a world-record approach from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad towards the end of the transfer window, including a bid of £150 million. But despite being bankrolled by the Saudi royal family, the pursuit was unsuccessful, as Liverpool rejected all advances and the player opted to stay.
That has not stopped speculation over an eventual move to the Middle East, with Salah’s profile as the most high-profile Arab athlete making him the perfect poster boy for their sportswashing project. While the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window only closed on September 7, the league’s director of football, Michael Emenalo, has again discussed a move.
“Mo is welcome at any time,” Emenalo told German outlet TZ. “But no one is pressured or forced to come. If anyone would like to come and there is an opportunity to work with the releasing club in a very respectful and professional manner, we would be very happy to have them. But yeah, Mo is my personal favourite.”
That Salah is a “personal favourite” of Emenalo’s is likely to be sentiment shared by those bankrolling the Saudi Pro League, given his status and quality. It has often been argued that Liverpool’s No. 11 should avoid a move to Saudi Arabia to preserve his ambitions at the top level of football. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Steven Gerrard are seen to have lowered their standards drastically in favour of financial prosperity.
Why Salah Should Avoid a Move to Saudi Arabia
The level of competition in the Saudi Pro League is far below that of the Premier League, and it could be argued that a move there would stunt Salah’s development as a player. He has established himself as one of the best players in the world in recent years, and a move to Saudi Arabia could see him lose his place in the upper echelons of the game.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that Salah should stay in England for the sake of his legacy. He is already an icon in his homeland of Egypt, and a move to Saudi Arabia could tarnish his reputation as a role model for young players in the region.
What Could Salah Gain from a Move to Saudi Arabia?
However, there are some potential benefits for Salah if he were to make the move. The financial rewards would be substantial, and it could be argued that he would be able to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle away from the pressures of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that Salah could use his platform in Saudi Arabia to help promote positive change in the region. He is already an influential figure in the Arab world, and a move to Saudi Arabia could help him spread his message even further.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether or not Mohamed Salah will make the move to Saudi Arabia. While there are potential benefits for him if he were to make the move, there are also risks associated with such a decision. It is clear that he will have to weigh up all of his options before making a decision on his future.